2008 Woodie Awards
University offers help to combat depression
PEARMAN PARKER
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: News
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An animated circle rolls across the screen and frowns. It's a commercial for the depression drug Zoloft.
While the rolling Zoloft circle may not be of concern for some students, one out of four young adults will experience an episode of depression before they reach 24, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
And, if left untreated, depression can lead to suicide - the second leading cause of death among college students.
The University Health Center is giving students the tools to combat depression on National Depression Screening Day.
They offer an online self-assessment screening program for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol problems, eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress.
"A lot of students take it," said Liz Rachun, health communications coordinator at the University Health Center, regarding the test.
The testing is anonymous and students will receive an immediate result that can be printed and taken to a clinician at Counseling and Psychiatric Services for further evaluation, Rachun said.
"We see probably five students a week (as a result of the screening)," said Gayle Robbins, director of CAPS. "But it's not utilized as often as I'd like to see."
The depression screening includes questions about current treatments, energy levels, appetite changes and feelings of hopelessness. The results are brief and suggest students seek counseling or immediate attention at the CAPS center.
"In any situation, we encourage students to talk about what these (results) mean," Robbins said. In emergency situations, she said, "Even if they take the screening at 10 at night, they can call and talk to somebody right then."
Symptoms of depression include persistent "sad" or "empty" feelings, loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies once enjoyed, insomnia, restlessness and changes in appetite, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
While the rolling Zoloft circle may not be of concern for some students, one out of four young adults will experience an episode of depression before they reach 24, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
And, if left untreated, depression can lead to suicide - the second leading cause of death among college students.
The University Health Center is giving students the tools to combat depression on National Depression Screening Day.
They offer an online self-assessment screening program for depression, bipolar disorder, alcohol problems, eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress.
"A lot of students take it," said Liz Rachun, health communications coordinator at the University Health Center, regarding the test.
The testing is anonymous and students will receive an immediate result that can be printed and taken to a clinician at Counseling and Psychiatric Services for further evaluation, Rachun said.
"We see probably five students a week (as a result of the screening)," said Gayle Robbins, director of CAPS. "But it's not utilized as often as I'd like to see."
The depression screening includes questions about current treatments, energy levels, appetite changes and feelings of hopelessness. The results are brief and suggest students seek counseling or immediate attention at the CAPS center.
"In any situation, we encourage students to talk about what these (results) mean," Robbins said. In emergency situations, she said, "Even if they take the screening at 10 at night, they can call and talk to somebody right then."
Symptoms of depression include persistent "sad" or "empty" feelings, loss of interest or pleasure in activities or hobbies once enjoyed, insomnia, restlessness and changes in appetite, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
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